US based Destinations International (DI) recently hosted its inaugural Global Leaders Forum in Dublin, Ireland.
The event drew more than 100 participants, including destination leaders from Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and other regions.
As the leading association representing destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), Destinations International continues to expand its European destination organization membership.
The Forum marked a new era of global engagement within the travel and tourism industry.
Issues such as overtourism and sustainable travel were high on the agenda, as destinations grapple with balancing the economic and social benefits of tourism.
The Global Leaders Forum featured panel sessions, learning opportunities and roundtable discussions.
Speakers included Greg Clark, CBE, FAcSS, an urbanist and advisor on city development, Adrian Cooper, CEO of Oxford Economics, Michael O’Leary (CEO, Ryanair), Lynne Embleton (CEO, Aer Lingus) and Colm Lacy (CCO, British Airways).
The event explored a range of topics, including the future of aviation, the importance of accessible tourism, the critical role of community engagement in sustainable travel.
Overtourism was a topic of discussion, including insights on leveraging responsible tourism to mitigate the impact on high-demand destinations.
It was agreed that destinations must prioritize ways to ensure tourism benefits local communities and highlight these benefits to residents.
Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International, said: “Travel has never been more important, with sustainability and responsible tourism becoming top priorities globally.”
“Destinations International is pleased by our growing number of European destinations joining as members and was pleased by the strong interest and outcomes.”
“Attending the Global Leaders Forum was an exceptional experience,” said Mateu Hernández, General Director of BarcelonaTurisme.
“It offered the opportunity to hear from industry experts and destination leaders while giving Barcelona Tourism the chance to share our new ‘This is Barcelona’ strategy.”
